U.S. patent number 9,043,015 [Application Number 12/488,879] was granted by the patent office on 2015-05-26 for smart medicine container assembly.
The grantee listed for this patent is Nitesh Ratnakar. Invention is credited to Nitesh Ratnakar.
United States Patent |
9,043,015 |
Ratnakar |
May 26, 2015 |
Smart medicine container assembly
Abstract
Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense
desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in
the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment
having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying
into counting compartment The counting compartment contains first
and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the
second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill
separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing
compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors
to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill
recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser
having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon
completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back
into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles.
A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is
provided. Docking station has communication ports enabling two-way
communication with personal computer.
Inventors: |
Ratnakar; Nitesh (Elkins,
WV) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ratnakar; Nitesh |
Elkins |
WV |
US |
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Family
ID: |
41164642 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/488,879 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090259336 A1 |
Oct 15, 2009 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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10905032 |
Dec 11, 2004 |
7269476 |
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12267555 |
Nov 7, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/241; 700/244;
700/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J
7/0445 (20150501); G07F 11/26 (20130101); G07F
11/44 (20130101); G16H 20/13 (20180101); G07F
17/0092 (20130101); A61J 7/0481 (20130101); A61J
7/0436 (20150501); G07F 9/02 (20130101); A61J
7/02 (20130101); A61J 2200/30 (20130101); A61J
2205/70 (20130101); A61J 7/0418 (20150501); A61J
2205/60 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61J
7/04 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Waggoner; Timothy
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ma; Jundong
Claims
I claim:
1. A docking station for docking multiple smart medicine
containers, each said smart medicine container having a control
means, a memory, and a docking means, each said smart medicine
container configured to store a bulk supply of pills and dispense
one or more pills from the bulk supply under the control of the
respective control means according to patient compliance data
stored in the respective memory, the docking station comprising: a
plurality of docking units each configured to engage the docking
means of one respective said smart medicine container so as to dock
the one respective said smart medicine container thereto; a
centralized communication means configured to receive a first set
of data from an external device on behalf of multiple said smart
medicine containers each docked to one of the plurality of docking
units; and a centralized docking control means configured to, for
each of the multiple said smart medicine containers each docked to
one of the plurality of docking units, access the respective memory
of the one respective said smart medicine container through the
respective docking unit to which the one respective said smart
medicine container is docked, such that at least one subset of the
received first set of data is stored in the respective memory of
the one respective said smart medicine container.
2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the centralized
communication means comprises a USB port.
3. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the centralized docking
control means comprises a printed circuit board.
4. The docking station of claim 2, wherein the centralized docking
control means comprises a USB hub converting a USB connector to a
contact connector.
5. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the centralized
communication means is further configured to receive power and
supply power to each of the multiple said smart medicine containers
each docked to one of the plurality of docking units through the
respective docking unit.
6. The docking station of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
docking units comprises a receptacle configured to receive one
respective said smart medicine container and engage the docking
means of the one respective said smart medicine container so as to
dock the one respective said smart medicine container thereto.
7. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the docking means of
each of said smart medicine containers comprises a docking port and
an electrical port; and wherein each of the plurality of docking
units comprises a docking terminal and an electrical terminal,
which are adapted to operatively engage with the docking port and
the electrical port of one respective said smart medicine container
when the one respective said smart medicine container is docked to
the respective docking unit.
8. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the first set of data
received by the centralized communication means comprises clock
data, and the centralized docking control means is further
configured to use the received clock data to synchronize a
respective clock of each of the multiple said smart medicine
containers each docked to one of the plurality of docking
units.
9. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the first set of data
received by the centralized communication means comprises
respective patient compliance data for the multiple said smart
medicine containers each docked to one of the plurality of docking
units, and the centralized docking control means is further
configured to, for each of the multiple said smart medicine
containers each docked to one of the plurality of docking units,
update respective patient compliance data stored in the respective
memory of the one respective said smart medicine container by
storing in the respective memory of the one respective said smart
medicine container the received respective patient compliance data
for the one respective said smart medicine container.
10. The docking station of claim 9, wherein, for each of the
multiple said smart medicine containers each docked to one of the
plurality of docking units, the respective patient compliance data
stored in the respective memory of the one respective said smart
medicine container docked to one of the plurality of docking units
comprises prescription schedule data including medicine dose
dispensation times and a number of pills to be dispensed at each of
the dispensation times.
11. The docking station of claim 9, wherein for each of the
multiple said smart medicine containers each docked to one of the
plurality of docking units, at least one subset of the received
respective patient compliance data are identical patient compliance
data.
12. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the first set of data
received by the centralized communication means comprises
respective firmware for the multiple said smart medicine containers
each docked to one of the plurality of docking units, and the
centralized docking control means is further configured to, for
each of the multiple said smart medicine containers each docked to
one of the plurality of docking units, update respective firmware
for the one respective said smart medicine container with the
received respective firmware.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to medicine containers, more
specifically to a medicine container having storage, counting and
dispensing compartments and having an inbuilt pill dispensing
apparatus having means to automatically dispenses a prescribed
quantity of medicine at prescribed times. According to another
aspect, a pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the
medicine container having means to recover pills remaining in the
counting compartment of the medicine container after completion of
a dispensing cycle; and deposit recovered pills back into the
storage compartment of the medicine container to be used in future
dispensation cycles.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
The advances in medicine are enhancing the quality and longevity of
human lives. Ailments, for which
there were no effective treatments before, are now effectively
treated by one or more drugs. In many cases, patients have to
remember to take a dose of medicine at prescribed times. A number
of ailments require treatment with one or more combination of
medicines. With most medicines (e.g., pills, syrups), doses have to
be taken at specific intervals (every six hours) or at certain
times of the day (morning, afternoon, evening, before bed time
etc). A patient may have difficulty remembering to take medicine at
recommended times. Sometimes, patients have difficulty remembering
that they have already taken a dose. Some patients have difficulty
remembering the recommended dose of medicine to be taken,
especially if a medicine dose requires more than one pill of the
same medicine. In a multiple drug regimen, such a scenario is even
more convoluted and may pose grave consequences to the patient.
This is especially true for patients with inadequate skills or
knowledge to follow a medicine regimen like elderly, disabled and
cognitively impaired-and patients with psychiatric disorders (Levy
R L et al, American Journal of Gastroenterology 1999; 94:1733-1742
& Nigro J, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 2001;
32:66-82). This segment of the population is the most vulnerable as
their medicine regimen usually comprises of multiple medicines,
each with a different schedule and a different set of instructions.
In addition, eyesight fade with age and reading labels of medicine
containers can present a problem. Even young and alert patients are
sometimes overwhelmed by life, work, family and other
responsibilities and forget to take then medicines. This is
especially apparent with temporary treatments, such as antibiotics,
where the medicine is only taken for a short period of time. In
this case, patients are unable to generate a routine based around
taking the medicine. The end result of the above situations is that
the amount of medicine taken is either too low to affect the course
of the ailment, or is too high and causes overdose reactions.
There are many studies that show that management of chronic
diseases is unsatisfactory in spite of the great advances in
medicine. Factors that have been implicated are 1) poor compliance
with medicine regimen because patients forget to take their
medicines 2) frequent need to go the pharmacist for refills and
education 3) need for frequent visit to the health care
professional's office to monitor the treatment response and to make
any required changes in medicine regimen 4) lack of adequate health
education and inadequate reinforcement thereof 5) under or over
dosing of medicine 6) altered dosing regimen 7) incorrect
administration of medicine (Kane S et al. Advanced Therapy for
Inflammatory Bowel Disease; 2002:9-11). Even more worrisome is the
practice that patients do not inform physicians of their non
compliance with medicine regimen. Physicians, is such a case,
conclude that patient's condition is not responding to die current
medicine regimen and make changes in medicine dose, add or
substitute another medicine. This results in unnecessary changes in
patient's medicine regimen which can be detrimental to the health
of the patient. This practice also increases health care cost.
Medicines including pills, capsules, tablets, caplets and the like
have traditionally been packaged in bottles or other such
containers capped with a variety of closure devices. The caps or
closures for these containers have taken a variety of forms and,
more recently, have included a key system, depress-and-turn system,
or the like, designed to prevent small children from gaining access
to the contents. These medicine containers do not have features to
assist patients remember to take their medicines or to record their
compliance with a medicine regimen. There are many prior art
attempts to address problems of this nature which generally
incorporate some type of a time, date or dosage indicating device
on the cap or other pail of the container which involves a moveable
pointer or other such device designed to be indicative of the
status of medicine administration. These devices generally involve
the relative motion of a pointer, plate or other indicator relative
to a dial which is moved each time the medicine container is used
to indicate the fact that the medicine has been taken and/or the
time when the next dose is due.
Systems including a pointer and dial indicator on the container cap
are illustrated. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,422, Adams disclosed a
device suitable as a closure cap for a medicine container. The
device has indicia Circumferentially marked on the upper surface of
the device representing the time for next taking the medicine in
the container. An arm rotatably and pivotably mounted in the center
of the device is set to point at the time for next taking the
medicine. The arm is releasably retained in position by cooperating
pegs and indentations on the upper surface of the device and the
underside of the rotatable arm. In U.S. Pat No. 5,216,975,
Bartholomew disclosed a combination medicine container cap and
indicator device adapted to function as the closure or cover for a
medicine container or container. The device includes an indicator
providing a visual indication for the user that a pill has been or
should be removed from the bottle for consumption. While these
approaches are viable as long as they are properly used, the
indicating position is easily altered and presents no reliable
permanent record.
Various other devices include mechanical advancing systems that
coordinate with the operation of the bottle cap. In U.S. Pat. No.
4,753,189. Mastman et al, disclosed a medicine bottle unit having a
closure for indicating dosage and other information, which changes
automatically as the closure is rotated on the bottle of the unit.
The closure includes an outer cap and an inner member within the
cap. The cap and inner member have co-operable indicia thereon. The
inner member moves with the cap as the cap is rotated in one
direction on the bottle. However, the cap moves relative to the
bottle and the inner member when the cap is rotated in the opposite
direction on the bottle, thus assuring a change in the information
represented by the indicia on the cap and the indicator on the
inner member, or by indicia on the inner member visible through a
hole in the cap. Several embodiments of medicine bottle unit are
disclosed. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,010, Marshall disclosed
indicators and methods of indicating which are intended primarily
for use with medicine containers. The devices typically indicate
the number of doses of medicine ingested or remaining to be .taken
by a patient dining a particular period. These devices additionally
provide tactile assistance to patients in appropriately
repositioning the indicator arms and, when used correctly, may
reduce the possibility of patient overdose by restricting improper
attempts to advance the indicator arm. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,045,
Villa-Real disclosed a color-coded, two-component medicament
container comprising a cap means with variously pre-set. structural
interval spacing between each pair of preformed window system to
differentiate a fixed three-hour time interval cap from a four-hour
interval cap, a six-hour time interval cap, an 8-hour time interval
cap and from a unitary pre-formed window for a 12 or 24-hour time
interval cap; each kind of cap to be specifically used according to
the prescribed frequency of drug administration such as every 3
-hour frequency, every 4-hour frequency, every 6-hour frequency,
every 8-hour frequency and every 12 or 24-hour frequency,
respectively, as coordinated in a snug-fitting but csafety lock
wisely rotatable engagement with a complementarily shaped
cylindrical medicament container having csafety lock-like numeral
indicia ranging from 1 to 12 and equidistantly arranged as in a
csafety lock there around the supper circumferential exterior wall
of the said medicament container is disclosed.
Both, use of the dial or pointer devices and operation of container
cap, require manual dexterity and intact cognition. Moreover, with
these devices, patients have to learn complex instruction each time
a change is made in medicine close or frequency. Both these are
problematic in elderly, disabled or in patients with cognitive
impairment.
The need for a device that automatically dispenses the proper
pill(s) in the proper amount(s) at the proper time(s) each day and
alerts the user to take the dispensed pill(s) is evident by the
numerous devices described in the prior art. In U.S. Pat. No.
4,915,256, Tump disclosed a dispensing assembly for dispensing a
series of different pills over a prescribed period. The dispensing
assembly is provided with an indicator that is adjustable to preset
the start of the pill regiment on whatever day desired. The pill
package and dispensing assembly are constructed and arranged so
that after the indicator has been preset, the pill package can be
fixedly positioned in the dispensing assembly with the first pill
of the regimen in position to be taken by the user on the first pre
selected day. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,589, Lim has disclosed a
device that can be loaded with appropriate pills and programmed-to
automatically dispense the proper amount(s) and proper type(s) of
pill(s) at the proper time(s) each day. The device also includes a
system for alerting the pill taker that pills have been dispensed
and need to be taken, a system for providing voice messages to
coach the pill taker to use the device and consume the pills, a
system for alerting an off-site caregiver when the pill taker has
not responded as required or when there is a problem with the
operation of the device, and a system for an efficient and accurate
loading of pills into the device.
In U.S. Pat, No. 4,573,606 Lews et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,651
Scidmore et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,453 Luckstead and in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,044,516 Hoar have described an automatic pill dispensing
assembly that has pill storage regulating wheels that are rotated
constantly by electric safety lock motors. The constantly rotating
pill storage regulating wheel of these devices successively moves
each pill storage compartment of the regulating wheel into a
temporary alignment with a pill discharge outlet at a cyclical and
fixed time interval. When a pill storage compartment is in
alignment with the pill discharge outlet, any pill stored in the
compartment will fall by gravity through the outlet into a pill
receptacle. Automatic pill dispensing assemblies that do not employ
rotating wheels are also known. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,763,810 to Christiansen shows a device that uses a series of pill
storage compartments that are arrayed-in a checkerboard fashion and
U.S. Pat. No, 4,798,309 to Stone et al shows a device that uses a
series of pill storage compartments that are spirally arranged on
an elongate cylinder. Although these examples seem to be different,
the basic .operating principle of all these dispensing assemblies,
are nonetheless similar.
However, there are problems with the devices described in the prior
art. These devices entail loading of individual pill storage
compartments by the pharmacist This is a time consuming and
manpower intensive process that makes these devices costly and
inefficient. None of these devices provide the ease and cost
effectiveness of the present day throwaway plastic medicine
containers where a bulk supply of medicaments can be dispensed at
one time.
There have been many prior art attempts to incorporate a device
into the medicine container that is able to record the opening and
closures of the caps of the medicine containers. These prior arts
have attempted to use the operation of the closure of medicine
container as a surrogate marker for compliance. In U.S. Pat. No.
6,604,650 Sagar has proposed a medicine-dispensing system that has
a medicine reminder to assist the patient in following a drug
regimen. In an example embodiment, a medicine reminder comprises a
timer programmable to a predetermined interval. A user-alert is
responsive to the timer, reminding the user to take a dose of
medicine at the predetermined interval. A sensor detects whether
the medicine container cap has been opened and a dose-indication
informs the user of the time since the last dose. The dose
indication further informs the user as to whether to take a next
medicine dose. The time of the last dose is determined by the
tinier receiving a signal from the sensor. A communications
interface enables programming of a parameter associated with
administering a medicine.
There are major disadvantages to the inventions that rely on
medicine container cap removal as a measure of compliance. Medicine
containers with cap allow access to the bulk medicine supply during
each dispensing event. Once the device recognizes the removal of
the cap, any number of doses may be removed from the bottle without
proper recognition, thus seriously compromising the device's
ability to properly record compliance. Even more troublesome is the
possibility that the cap device might not be reinstalled on the
bottle; if not, the subsequent removal of medicines from the bottle
go unmonitored.
In addition, the devices described in prior inventions share some
common drawbacks that include: 1) none of the prior art devices
have the ability to automatically count and dispense a prescribed
quantity of medicine at prescribed times from a bulk supply within
the medicine container. 2) These devices do not provide airy
protection against abuse of prescription medicines. Once the
closure is opened any number of doses can be removed. Tins is of
particular concern with medicines that have a high abuse potential
such as morphine. 3) The prior art devices do not provide any
protection against the consumption of medicines that have expired.
Medicines that are beyond then expiry date are associated with
significant life threatening side effects. 4) They do not provide
security features to prevent use by a person other than, the
intended patient. 5) Devices proposed by the prior inventions do
not allow for remote medicine management. Whenever a change is made
to a medicine regimen, a new prescription has to be filled and die
medicine container has to be taken to the pharmacist for a change
of label. The patient has to learn new information regarding the
new dosage regimen. These are major deterrents to continued
compliance with pharmacotherapy for chronic medical conditions. 6)
Prior art devices do not assist with comprehensive disease
management. Adequate disease management requires frequent
monitoring of health related parameters to assess the efficacy of
medicines. Studies have shown that frequent home based monitoring
of health parameters and subsequent prompt adjustment of treatment
regimens significantly improves disease outcomes. At the present
time, such monitoring, reporting and adjustment of medicine regimen
requires intensive participation by patients, including multiple
visits to health care professional's office. Prior art devices do
not provide a solution to this problem. 7) The devices of prior
inventions are cumbersome and expensive to manufacture. None of the
prior inventions have provided the necessary reliability and
inexpensive implementation to present itself as a viable
alternative to today's plastic throwaway medicine containers. The
value of additional features suggested by the prior inventions,
have not justified the added costs.
Some prior art devices provide limited solution to individual
problems faced by patients, health care professionals and
pharmacists in ensuring compliance. However none of these devices
have provided a comprehensive one stop solution to manage the
multiple complex problems that hinder patient's compliance with a
medicine regimen. Hence, while "childproof" construction has been
mandated, to date there has been no other major addition to the
conventional throw away plastic medicine containers.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Present invention discloses a dispenser (smart medicine container)
having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply
of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of
first storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a
discharge port emptying into second counting compartment. The
counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at
first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than
the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second
conveyor discharging pills into third dispensing compartment.
Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills
discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and
apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover
pills remaining on first and second conveyors upon completion of a
dispensation cycle and there after deposit recovered pills back
into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation
cycles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a coronal section of the smart medicine container and
shows die pill dispensing assembly built into the medication
container itself.
FIG. 1B shows the regulating wheel with two pill receptacles.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the smart medicine container showing the
electronic display unit, audio speakers, visual alarm and a
plurality of control switches.
FIG. 3 shows the collecting conveyor with a `Y` shaped pill
organizer located above it.
FIG. 4 is a posterior view of the lower part of the smart, medicine
container showing the communication ports and electrical inlet.
FIG. 5 is a coronal section of the lower part of the smart medicine
container showing the modem with wireless transceiver,
communication ports and battery compartment with a battery.
FIG. 6 is a view of the bottom surface of the smart medicine
container showing the docking port, electrical port and the outlet
door.
FIG. 7 is a transparent view of the cap of the smart medicine
container showing the printed circuit board, memory chip and
universal safety lock
FIG. 8 is a posterior view of the sync cradle showing the docking
terminal, electrical terminal, communication ports and electrical
inlet.
FIG. 9 shows an algorithm of the dispensation cycle of the smart
medicine container.
FIG. 10 shows an algorithm of the dispensation cycle of the smart
medicine container in relation to the consumption time.
FIG. 11 shows the communication network of the smart medicine
container.
FIG. 12 shows the pill dispensing assembly of the present invention
adapted for use in the pharmaceutical industry, such as to fill
multiple pill bottles with a fixed quantity of pills,
FIGS. 13A-E show the construction and operation of pill recovery
apparatus and system disposed inside the smart medicine
container.
FIGS. 14A-C shows the construction and workings of docking station
for smart medicine container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In this respect before explaining at least one embodiment of the
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention Is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this
disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the
designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out
one or several purposes of the present invention. It is important,
therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent
constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
Medicine Container
As shown in FIG. 1A, the present invention comprises of a smart
medicine container (10) that has an inbuilt pill dispensing
assembly. The medicine container in the preferred embodiment is
elliptical in shape but it may be of any convenient shape and size.
It has three compartments--storage compartment (11), counting
compartment (12) and dispensing compartment (13) that is stacked on
top of one another. The storage compartment (11) is located at the
top and is `U` or `V` shaped. It has an aperture at the bottom to
allow the passage of pills (121) into the counting compartment (12)
which is guarded by a regulating wheel (15). The pill dispensing
assembly of the present invention has an inbuilt pill counting
apparatus mat provides the means to automatically dispense a
desired quantity of medicine at desired times from a bulk supply
within the smart medicine container (10). The pill dispensing
assembly comprises of a regulating wheel (15) will two pill
receptacles (24), a collecting conveyor (16), a dispensing conveyor
(17), motors to power the conveyors and the regulating wheel and a
multitude of photoelectric sensors placed along the path of relay
of the pills (121). A printed circuit board (71) present within the
smart medicine container regulates the operation of the entire pill
dispensing assembly. The regulating wheel (15) is powered by a
motor (not shown) and has two pill receptacles (24) placed at 180
degrees from each other (FIG. 1B). It guards the aperture between
the storage and counting compartments. The pill receptacles (24)
collect pills (121) when facing the storage compartment (11) and
discharge them onto the collecting conveyor (16) when facing the
counting compartment (12). The regulating wheel (15) provides the
means tor a controlled and orderly discharge of pills (121) from
the storage compartment onto the collecting conveyor (16) in the
counting compartment (12). The regulating wheel (15) also prevents
migration of pills (121) out of the storage compartment (11) when
it remains idle. The counting compartment (12) is located in the
middle and has a collecting conveyor (16) on top, a dispensing
conveyor (17) below and photoelectric sensors (19 & 20) that
line the path of relay of pills (121) along the conveyors. The
collecting conveyer conveyor (16) has a `Y` shaped pill organizer
(31) located above its surface, shown in FIG. 3, which aligns the
pills (121) in one column for an orderly discharge onto the
dispensing conveyer conveyor (17), In the preferred embodiment
shown in FIG. 1A, the passageway from the collecting conveyer
conveyor (16) to the dispensing conveyer conveyor (17) has
photoelectric sensors (19), but any other suitable sensing
instrument can be used. The dispensing conveyor (17) collects pills
(121) from the collecting conveyor (16) and discharges them into
the. dispensing compartment (13). The dispensing conveyor (17)
again has a `Y` shaped pill organizer located above its surface
which aligns the pills (121) in one column for an orderly discharge
into the dispensing compartment (13). In the preferred embodiment,
the passageway from the dispensing conveyer conveyor (17) to the
dispensing compartment (13) has photoelectric sensors (20), but any
other suitable sensing instrument may be used. The collecting and
the dispensing conveyors move on two separate sets of wheels (18A
& 18B) that, are powered by motors (not shown), in the
preferred embodiment, the speed of the dispensing conveyor (17) is
greater than of the collecting conveyor (16). The dispensing
compartment (13) is located at the bottom and lias an outlet door
(22) through which pills (121) is dispensed to the patient. The
outlet door (22) lias a sensor (23) which captures its
operation.
FIG. 2 shows the anterior aspect of the smart medicine container. A
plurality of control switches (28) are provided that can be used
for multiple purposes, including but not limited to--1) as a keypad
for command and data entry 2) to actuate display of compliance data
and other information in different formats 3) as a keypad for
operation of the universal safety lock (73). An audio speaker (27)
and a visual alarm (26) are provided that is activated when a dose
of medicine is ready to be taken. FIG. 2 also shows an electronic
display unit (25), which in the preferred embodiment is a liquid
crystal, display (LCD) screen.
FIGS. 4 & 5 show the posterior and saggital views of the lower
part of the smart medicine container respectively. A modem (51) and
three communication ports (41) are provided which enable the smart
medicine container (10) to send and receive communication from
external devices such as web server, personal computer etc. via
telephone hue, wireless network, internet. LAN or any other
communication network. In the preferred embodiment, the modem (51)
also contains a wireless two-way transceiver. Alternatively, the
wireless transceiver can be present separately. Data can be
transferred between the smart medicine container (10) and a
computing device such as web server, pharmacy or physician computer
using the communication ports (41). A battery compartment (52)
containing a battery (53) is provided which powers the smart
medicine container, in addition, an electrical inlet (42) is
provided which serves as an alternate source of power for the smart
medicine container.
The smart medicine container (10) is covered on top by a cap (14)
shown in FIG. 7. In the preferred embodiment, the cap (14) has a
universal safety lock (73) that is operable by a unique combination
of numbers or any other user specific identifier that is entered
using the control switches (28). Alternatively, the universal
safety lock (73) can be coupled with a radio frequency
identification (RFID) reader. The universal safety lock (73) in
this case is operable when the RFID reader reads an authorized RFID
tag. Authorized users having an authorized RFID tag will be able to
operate the universal safety lock (73). The safety lock (73) adds a
safety feature to the smart medicine container (10) and allows only
authorized access to the contents thereof. The smart, medicine
container (10) has an internal printed circuit board (71) and a
memory chip (72) located in the cap (14). The electronic apparatus
of the smart medicine container (10) is hardwired to the printed
circuit board (71) and memory chip (72). The printed circuit board
(71) is programmed to execute various functions of the smart
medicine container (10) including, but not limited to, data
analysis, operational control of electro-mechanical components, and
external communication. The memory chip (72) stores operational
data, information about the contained medication and any other
relevant patient information. The smart medicine container (10) has
an internal clock with a timer (not shown) which triggers the time
sensitive functions of the smart medicine container (10). The
memory chip also records instances of user taking a dispensed dose
of medicine out of the smart medicine container which serves as a
surrogate data for patient compliance with prescribed medication
regimen.
Now toning our attention to FIGS. 13A-E: a pill recovery system and
apparatus is disclosed. The pill recovery system and apparatus is
designed to recover pills left on the collecting and dispensing
conveyors after completion of a dispensation cycle. It comprises of
a recovery cup (300) disposed in resting position, as shown in FIG.
13A, flush with a corresponding defect in storage compartment
(304). Tire recovery cup (300) is operatively connected by means of
belt (302) to a recovery motor (303). The recovery motor (303) is
disposed at the bottom of the smart medicine container as shown in
FIGS. 13A-E. Storage compartment has a defect (304) corresponding
to recovery cup (300) that accommodates the recovery cup (300) in
resting position. The recovery cup (300) is reversibly movable from
first resting position, as in FIG. 13A, to second recovery
position, as in FIG. 13C, just, below the outlet end of the
dispensing conveyor (17). The recovery cup (300), while in transit
between resting and recovery positions, is inclined outwards from
the counting compartment such that it prevents pills contained hi
the recovery cup from falling into the counting compartment; as is
shown in FIGS. 13B & 13D. In resting position, the recovery cup
(300) is inclined such that it is inclined towards the center of
gravity of the storage compartment and thereby deposits pills
contained therein into the storage compartment; as is shown in
FIGS. 13A & 13E. The opposite inclination of the recovery cup
(300) between resting and recovery/transit positions is achieved by
means of varying length of the grooves (301) that holds the
recovery cup (300) in position within the smart medicine container;
as shown in FIGS. 13A-E. A vertical plate separates the recovery
plate from the counting compartment. Although recovery system in
the preferred embodiment comprises of a recovery cup, other
contraptions such as a recovery box. recovery plate etc, may as
well be used with similar end result. Similarly the recovery motor
may be placed at a different location while achieving the same end
result. The configuration and relative placement of the components
of the recovery system and apparatus should not be considered
limiting.
Now referring to FIG. 6, a docking port (21A) and an electrical
port (21B) are provided on the bottom of the smart medicine
container (10). It also houses the outlet door (22). FIG. 8 shows a
`sync cradle` (80) with a docking terminal (81) and an electrical
terminal (82) that are adapted for operative engagement with the
docking port (21A) and electrical port (21B) of the smart medicine
container. Three communication ports (83) are also provided. The
docking port (21A) along with the docking terminal (81) and
communication ports (83) enable the smart medicine container (10),
while it is sits in the sync cradle, to communicate with external
communication devices. An electrical inlet (84) is provided which,
along with electrical terminal (82) and electrical port (21B)
powers the smart medicine container during the time it sits in the
sync cradle (80). The sync cradle (80) is provided as an optional
gadget that would help reduce the size and weight of the smart
medicine container (10) and improve its portability. If also
provides a more convenient way to transfer data between the smart
medicine container (10) and other computing devices such as a
pharmacy or physician computer.
Now let us turn our attention to FIGS. 14A-C where construction and
operation of an alternate embodiment of the `sync cradle`--the
`docking station` (140) for smart medicine container (10) is
described. The docking station (140) is made of plastic of any
other suitable material and comprises of receptacles of a size to
accommodate smart medicine contains unit (10). The docking station
(140) can be made in multiple configurations; one unit, two units,
four units, and six units etc. The basic design is the same for
all, with differences in sizes and the internal USB hub board. The
case consists of a contoured top and flat bottom. The top is shaped
to accept the smart medicine container (10) unit. An off-centered
protrusion insures the unit is placed into the docking station
(140) correctly. Half round protrusions (142) on each side of the
recessed area insure proper engagement with the smart medicine
container (10) unit which will also insure proper contact with the
USB unit (141) to docking station connections (21A & 21B in
FIG. 6). There is an opening along one side for a standard USB port
(145). The bottom plate of the docking station (140) has four feet.
At the heart of the docking station (140) is a printed circuit
board that is the USB board. This board is a USB hub that also
converts the standard USB connector to a flat contact connector
that people are used to seeing on phone-charging stations.
Operation
According to one aspect of the present invention a smart medicine
container (10) is connected to the pharmacy computer using the
communication ports (41). Alternatively, it can be connected to the
pharmacy computer by placing it in the docking station (14) that is
connected to the pharmacy computer. The smart medicine container
(10) can also communicate with the pharmacy computer wirelessly
using the wireless transceiver. Pharmacist enters the medicine data
into pharmacy computer including medicine name, strength, dose,
frequency, physician information, authorized refills, expiration
date and other relevant information. The pharmacist also enters the
time the first dose is to be dispensed and time from which
automatic dispensation will commence. The pharmacist can have pre
programmed, time regimen for various administration schedules. For
example QID regimen (four times a day) may mean that the medicine
is to be taken at 8AM, 12PM, 4PM and 8PM everyday or it may mean
that, the medicine is to be taken at 7AM, 11AM, 3PM and 7PM
everyday. Pharmacies can have their own time regimen, there can be
a universal time regimen or mere can be a time regimen customized
according-to patient's preference and habits. Additional data, like
patient's allergies, drug to drug and drug to food interactions,
medicine adverse/side effect can be entered. This information is
transferred into the smart medicine container and stored in the
memory chip (72) and displayed on the electronic display unit (25)
of the smart medicine container (10). In effect, the electronic
display unit (25) replaces the paper label of conventional medicine
containers. Additionally, space may be provided in the back of the
smart medicine container to apply traditional paper labels that we
are accustomed to seeing on the plastic medicine containers.
However, if is to be appreciated that the electronic display unit
(25) provides a more dynamic, comprehensive and interactive
platform to access information about the contained medicine. The
printed circuit board (71) uses the entered information to regulate
the dispensation of medicine and to perform other functions of the
smart medicine container (10). It also uses this information to
analyze and report patient's compliance with a medicine regimen.
Using this system, the pharmacist has no additional responsibility
besides his/her normal customary responsibility to enter pertinent
medicine information is the pharmacy computer system, which then
automatically programs the smart medicine container (10) with the
same information.
FIG. 9 shows an algorithm that guides the pill dispensing assembly
of the smart medicine container (10). Once the predetermined time
to dispense medicine arrives, the regulating wheel is activated.
The pill receptacles (24) of the regulating wheel (15) collect
pills (121) from the storage compartment (11) and dispense them
onto a moving collecting conveyor (16). The speed of the collecting
conveyor (16) is greater than the rotational speed, of the
regulating wheel (15), which amplifies the pill separation provided
by the regulating wheel (15). As the pills (121) fall off from the
collecting conveyor (16) they are counted by photoelectric sensors
(19), which relays the data to the printed circuit board (71). Once
the printed circuit board (71) senses that, desired number of pills
(121) have been dispensed, it stops the regulating wheel (15). The
collecting conveyor (16) transfers the pills (121) onto a moving
dispensing conveyor (17). The dispensing conveyor (17) moves at a
greater speed than the collecting conveyor which further amplifies
the pill separation achieved so far. The dispensing conveyor (17)
transfers the pills (121) into the dispensing compartment (13). The
photoelectric sensors (20) count the pills (121) as they fall from
the dispensing conveyor (17) into the dispensing compartment (13)
and relay this data to the printed circuit board (71) and memory
chip (72). The dispensing conveyor (17) stops once the printed
circuit hoard (71) signals that prescribed quantity of pills (121)
have been dispensed into the dispensing compartment (13). In
effect, the entire pill dispensing-assembly of the smart medicine
container is inactivated at this time.
As shown in FIGS. 13A-E: once desired number of pills have been
dispensed into the dispensing compartment at the end of a
dispensation cycle; the recovery motor (303) moves the recovery cup
(300) from resting position; as shown in FIG. 13A; to recovery
position just below the outlet end of the dispensing conveyor (17);
as shown in FIGS. 13B & 13C. There after, the collecting and
dispensing conveyors move one complete cycle respectively to
deposit pills remaining thereon into the recovery cup (300). The
recovery motor (303) then moves the recovery cup (300) from
recovery position; as shown in FIG. 13C upwards to resting position
flush with the corresponding defect in the storage compartment
(304); as shown in FIGS. 13B-E. During transit from the recovery
position to resting position, the recovery cup (300) is inclined
outwards from the counting compartment such that it prevents pills
contained therein from tailing into the counting compartment; as
shown in FIGS, 13C-E. Once flush with the defect hi the storage
compartment (304) in resting position as hi FIG. 13E, the recovery
cup (300) is inclined inwards towards the storage compartment such
that pills contained in the recovery cup (300) is deposited into
the storage compartment by virtue of gravity. The pill recovery
system and apparatus in essence recovers pills remaining on the
collecting and dispensing conveyors after completion of a
dispensation cycle and deposits the recovered pills back into the
storage compartment, for use in future dispensation cycles. This
not only utilizes alt pills in the smart medicine container for
dispensation to the patient; but also keeps the collecting and
dispensing conveyors free of pills between the dispensation cycles;
improving the portability of the dispenser.
The time when a medicine dose is dispensed into the dispensing
compartment (13) is recorded as the `dispensation time` and serves
as a measure of reliability of the smart medicine container (10).
The reliability data is relayed to the printed circuit board (71)
and memory chip (72) and can be viewed by an authorized user on the
electronic display unit (25) or it can be transmitted to a personal
computer and viewed. The reliability data is also relayed to and
stored in a web server and can be accessed by authorized users. The
smart medicine container (10) gives an audio and/visual alarm (26)
to alert the patient that a medicine dose is dispensed and ready to
be taken, in addition, after a reasonable wait time after the
actual due time, the smart medicine container sends a remote
reminder to patient or caregiver by phone, fax, pager, cellular
phone, internet or any other communication device preferred by the
patient using the communications platform provided therein. The
patient can turn off the alarm using a control switch (28), The
alarm feature of the smart medicine container can also be tinned
off for a period of time using a control switch (28). Tins is
useful when patients may not want to be disturbed by the alarm
such, as when they are asleep.
Once a medicine dose is dispensed, the outlet door (22) is
unlocked. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13A, instead of a door, a
dispensing cup (22) coupled to a photoelectric sensor is provided.
The patient can open the door/withdraw the dispensing cup and can
take his/her medicine The time of opening of the outlet door
(22)/operation of the dispensing cup (22) is recorded as
`consumption time` by the sensor (23) and stored in the memory chip
as a compliance event. This compliance data is useful in
determining patient compliance with a medicine regimen. This
mechanism allows passive recording of compliance data as opposed to
active recording wherein patients are required to manually operate
a. switch to indicate medicine consumption. The compliance data is
saved in the memory chip (72) and can be viewed by an authorized
user on the electronic display unit (25) or it can be relayed to a
personal computer and viewed by authorized users. The compliance
data is also relayed to and stored in a central server and can be
accessed by authorized users.
The electronic apparatus of the medicine container remains disabled
until the outlet door (22) is opened and then closed. This ensures
that another dose of medicine is not dispensed until the previous
dose has been consumed. Consumption time is also used as a
reference for timing the next dose. As shown in FIG. 10, for
medicines that are to be taken at fixed hourly intervals, like
every six hours, the next dose is dispensed at the prescribed
interval from the consumption time. In case of medicines that are
to be taken at certain times of the day, like four times a day, the
next cycle starts according to a pre programmed algorithm. In the
illustrated example of four times a day, if the consumption time is
within 2 horns of a scheduled time, the dose due at that scheduled
time is skipped and the dispensing cycle starts from the scheduled
time thereafter. Otherwise, the dispensing cycle starts from the
scheduled time following the consumption time. This is consistent
with the current practice guidelines. Similarly, algorithms for
other dosing schedules can be made according to accepted
guidelines.
The smart medicine container (10) provides multiple unique safety
features 1) the cap (14) of the storage compartment has a universal
safety lock (73), which in the preferred embodiment is operable by
a unique user identifier such as a unique password, RFID,
fingerprint scan, retinal scan etc. It allows only authorized
access to the contents of the storage compartment of the smart
medicine container (10). The universal safety lock (73) is
connected to the internal clock and can be used for other useful
purposes. The universal lock (73) can be programmed to remain open
only during the time when a medicine dose is prescribed to be
taken. It can also he programmed to automatically lock irreversibly
once the contained medicament is past its expiration date. 2) The
pill dispensing assembly of the smart medicine container
automatically dispenses a prescribed quantity of medicine at
desired times. In addition, the pill dispensing assembly remains
inactive until the previously dispensed dose has been removed from
the medicine container. These features allow access to only one
prescribed dose of a medicine at any given time and that too, only
when it is time to take a dose. This prevents overdose. In
addition, the smart medicine container is programmed to disable the
pill dispensing assembly if the contained medicine is past its
expiration date. This feature prevents patients from consuming
medicines mat have expired. 3) The outlet door (22) has a lock that
remains locked from the time it is closed until the time a medicine
dose is dispensed. Additionally the outlet door lock may be made
operable by unique patient identifier such as a unique password,
RFID, fingerprint scan, retinal scan etc. This prevents patients
from consuming more than prescribed dose of a medicine. In
addition, the smart medicine container is programmed to lock the
outlet door irreversibly if the medicine in the smart medicine
container (10) is past its expiration date. This feature of the
smart medicine container prevents patients from gaining access to
an expired medicine. According to another embodiment of the present
invention, the outlet door can have a lock that is coupled with a
radiofrequency (RFID) reader. Access to the contents of the smart
medicine container can be limited to authorized users with a
corresponding RFID tag. According to yet another aspect, access to
the storage compartment is restricted only to pharmacist/physician
by means of the universal safety lock with a unique password known
only to authorized users; and patient is allowed access only to the
medicine in the dispensing compartment only at time when a medicine
dose lias been dispensed and due to be taken. This feature prevents
misuse and diversion of medications such as opioid narcotics.
Patient access to the outlet door/dispensing cup is restricted at
other times by means of a safety lock that remains in engaged
position at all times except when a medicine dose has been
dispensed and due to be taken.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the locking
apparatus containing a RFID reader can be used for other
applications in the pharmaceutical industry. For example, medicine
dispensing units used in hospitals can have a lock coupled with a
RFID reader. This lock is operable when the RFID reader reads an
authorized RFID tag. Authorized RFID tags are given only to
authorized users. According to another aspect of the present
invention, RFID reader can be coupled with any locking apparatus.
The locking apparatus is made operable when the RFID reader of the
locking apparatus reads an authorized RFID tag. It is to be
appreciated that this feature of the present invention makes the
operation of any such locking apparatus fast, secure and user
friendly.
According to another aspect of the present invention a modem (51)
and three communication ports (41) are provided in the smart
medicine container (10). In the preferred embodiment, the modem
(51) also has a two-way wireless transceiver. As shown in FIG. 11,
the smart medicine container has means to communicate with external
devices including communication devices such as personal computer;
and medical devices; either by wheel connection or by wireless
connection. It can communicate with remote parties like physicians
via external communication devices such as phone (110), pager
(113), fax (112), cellular phone (111), computer (115), web server
(114) and the like using phone line, wireless network, internet,
LAN or any other communication network. The smart medicine
container (10) is also able to communicate with appropriately
configured medical devices such as glucose meter (116), blood
pressure monitor, coagulation monitor and the like. Alternatively
the smart medicine container is programmed to communication with a
remote web server and a server application enables two-way
communication between web server and external devices,
According to another aspect of the present invention a multitude of
smart medicine containers (10) are in communication link with a web
server to form a network. The communication link between the web
server and the smart medicine containers may be wireless or wired
Preferably the communication link comprises of smart medicine
container unit in communication link with personal computer which
in turn is in communication link with web server. Each smart
medicine container (10) has a unique identifier that is readable by
the web server. In the preferred embodiment, the unique identifier
is a smart medicine container unit specific number stored in
corresponding memory chip (72). The web server has access to data
.from all smart medicine containers in its network. The server
synchronizes with the smart medication containers in its network at
frequent intervals to keep the data updated. Synchronization is
preferably actuated when the smart medicine container is resting in
the docking station and connected to an internet enabled personal
computer; or it can be done on a stand alone basis by each smart
medicine container unit by direct wireless/wired communication link
with the web server. This has many practical applications--1) The
server compiles and stores patient compliance data and/or smart
medicine container reliability data from the smart medicine
containers within its network: 2) The web server stores the
medicine inventory data for individual smart medicine containers
within its network; 3) The web server saves as a nodal point for
communication between the smart medicine container and remote
parties like health care providers, enabling them to access patient
compliance data and remotely control the functions of the smart
medicine container; 4) The web server stores back up data for the
smart medicine containers within its network; 5) The web server
remotely uploads, edits and actuates the firmware loaded into the
printed circuit board (71) and/or edit the information contained in
the memory chip of the smart medicine containers (10) within its
network and thereby, remotely controls the functions of the smart
medicine container (10). These features have many practical
applications some of which are discussed below.
1) Remote Medicine Management: The smart medicine container (10)
sends remote reminders to patient or their caregiver when a
medicine dose is ready to be taken. The smart medicine container
(10) receives instructions remotely from health care professionals
via communications network described above; and the printed circuit
board of the corresponding smart medicine container accordingly
initiates, .modifies or discontinues a medicine regimen. It is to
be appreciated that patient has no additional learning to do when,
these changes are made as the smart medicine container (10)
automatically dispenses medicine according to the new dispensing
instructions. The changes and the new instructions are displayed on
the electronic display unit. (25) or played in audio using the
speakers (27). It is also to be appreciated that patient does not
need to go to a health care professional or pharmacist for these
changes to be made or to be educated about their new medicine
regimen. Similarly, the smart medicine container (10) sends an
automatic reminder to the pharmacist when refills are due. These
features are of particular benefit to the elderly as they
frequently have trouble learning new information and are commonly
unable to drive.
2) Health Education: Health information is uploaded into the memory
chip (72) at the time a prescription is filled or it can be
uploaded remotely via the communications network described above.
Patients view this information on the electronic display unit (25)
or it can be played in audio using the speakers (27). The strategic
timing of providing health information at the time of consumption
of medicines provides a powerful learning tool and results in
improved and lasting retention of the given information. It is also
to be appreciated that the smart medicine container provides a
dynamic, interactive and flexible platform for health education
wherein different messages; can be displayed at different times and
in different formats.
3) Disease Management: The communications network enables the smart
medicine container (10) to communicate with other appropriately
configured peripheral medical devices such as blood pressure
monitor, glucose meter, coagulation meter and the like. The printed
circuit board is preferably pre programmed with instructions on
changes to be made based on information received from medical
devices; and is further programmed to initiate, change or
discontinue a medicine regimen based on information received from
the medical devices. The smart medicine container is preferably pre
programmed at the time of filling a prescription at pharmacy or
alternatively is programmed remotely via its communications
network. According to another method, data obtained from peripheral
medical devices is communicated to a health care professional who
is them able to remotely change a medicine regimen using the
communications network of the smart medicine container. It is
evident from the foregoing discussion that the smart medicine
container (10) can play an important role in comprehensive disease
management and improve clinical outcomes. This unique feature of
the present invention also reduces the need for a patient to go to
physician's office and reduces or eliminates home visits by nurses
for medication management.
4) Epidemic Control: A multitude of smart medicine containers (10)
are in communication link with remote web server and form a
network. The web server stores medicine regimen data saved in all
smart medicine containers (10) within the network. In the event of
an epidemic, the web server sends a command, to all smart medicine
containers (10) in its network containing effective medicine
against the epidemic, instructing the pill dispensing assembly
therein to dispense prescribed doses and alert the patient. In
addition, the web server sends information about the epidemic to
all smart medicine containers (10) within the network. This
information is displayed on the electronic display unit (25) or
played in audio using the speakers (27). It is to be appreciated
from the foregoing discussion that the smart medicine container
(10) can be a powerful tool in controlling an epidemic by 1)
instantly dispensing effective medicines to a large number of at
risk patients: and 2) quickly disseminating information about the
epidemic, including preventive measures, to a large number of
people.
5) Medicine Recall: Medicines are sometimes recalled from the
market based on newly discovered adverse effects, A multitude of
smart medicine containers (10) are in communication link with
remote web server and form a network. The web server stores
medicine regimen data saved in all smart medicine containers (10)
within the network. In the event of a medicine recall, the web
server instructs all smart medicine containers within the network
containing the recalled medicament to immediately stop dispensing
the said medicament. The web server also instructs the smart
medicine containers in its network to display the recall
information on then electronic display units. It is evident from
the above discussion that the smart medicine container enables a
quick, safe and extremely cost effective method to withdraw a
medicine from the market.
6) Web Based Medicine Inventory Management System: This feature
provides a dynamic inventory status of the smart medicine
containers within a network and can he helpful in inventory
management and product tracking. A multitude of smart medicine
containers (10) are in communication link with remote web server
and form a network. The web server stores medicine regimen data
saved in all smart medicine containers (10) within the network. A
pharmacy can review the inventory of all smart medication
containers within its network and quickly assess the demand for
various medicines based on the remaining refills. It can then
accordingly stock its inventory and update its supply chain.
7) Web Based Compliance Monitoring System: A multitude of smart
medicine containers (10) are in communication link with remote web
server and form a network. The web server has access to and stores
medicine compliance data saved in all smart medicine containers
(10) within the network. Patient compliance data is communicated by
smart medicine container to corresponding web server using the
communication network described above. Patient compliance data
stored in the web server is then made accessible to authorized
users such as physicians, care givers and pharmacists. The web
server stores compliance data torn all smart medicine containers in
its network. In addition, an interactive web site and intelligent
application software capable of data analysis can provide a
comprehensive solution in dose administration of con complaint
patients. This data can also be helpful to researchers in studying,
among other things, epidemiology of diseases and patient behavior
patterns.
Pill bridging is a major problem with any pill dispensing assembly.
The present invention has multiple unique features that prevent
pill bridging. The first layer of protection is provided by the `U`
or `V` shaped storage compartment (11) with a regulating wheel (15)
with pill receptacles (24) guarding its outlet. This assembly
enables an orderly and controlled discharge of pills (121) from the
storage compartment onto the collecting conveyor (16). The use of
gravitational force to discharge pills (121) from the pill
receptacles of the regulating wheel onto the collecting conveyor
(16) provides the second layer of protection against pill bridging.
Even if multiple pills (121) are present in the receptacle, each is
discharged at a different instance, thus providing pill separation.
The collecting conveyor (16) moves at a faster speed than the
rotational speed of the regulating wheel (15) which provides the
third layer of protection against pill bridging. It amplifies the
pill separation provided during discharge of pills (121) from the
regulating wheel (15). The pills (121) are then discharged onto the
dispensing conveyor (17). The separation of pills (121) at this
stage is further amplified by moving the dispensing conveyor (17)
at a faster speed than the collecting conveyor (16). This provides
the fourth layer of protection against pill bridging. We believe
that these four layers of protection provide a very reliable
mechanism to prevent pill bridging and allow for an accurate
dispensation of prescribed quantity of medicine.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the pill
dispensing assembly can be adapted for use in the pharmaceutical
industry to dispense a desired quantity of medicine, such as to
fill a prescription at the pharmacy or to fill multiple medicine
bottles with a fixed number of pills. This aspect of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 12. The pill dispensing assembly is
placed is housing (120) which has a storage tank (122) on top,
dispensing assembly in the middle and an outlet bay at the bottom.
Pills (121) are conveyed into the storage tank (122) using an
appropriate mechanical assembly, which in the preferred embodiment
is a tube (131). The outlet from the storage tank (122) into the
dispensing assembly is guarded by a regulating wheel with two
receptacles (123). The outlet door (133) at the bottom of the
housing is coupled with a pill bottle (1.32). The dispensing
assembly comprises of a collecting conveyor (124) and a dispensing
conveyor (125) that move on two separate sets of wheels (126 &
127). Photoelectric sensors (128 & 129) are provided along the
path of relay of pills between the collecting conveyor (124) and
the dispensing conveyor (125) and between the dispensing conveyor
(125) and the outlet bay. A photoelectric sensor (130) is also
provided at the outlet door (133) which is activated when the pill
bottle (132) is removed from the outlet door (133). A separate
control unit housing a processor, memory chip and a plurality of
control switches is provided (not shown). Once the command to
dispense pills is given, the dispensing conveyor (125) is
activated. This ensures that any remaining pill on the dispensing
conveyor (125) from previous cycle is dispensed before a flesh
batch is released from the storage tank (122). The dispensing
conveyor (125) stops if desired number of pills (121) is dispensed
before completion of one cycle. If the desired number of pills
(121) is not dispensed within the first cycle, the remainder of the
pill dispensing assembly comprising of the regulating wheel (123)
and collecting conveyor (124) is activated. The pill receptacles of
the regulating wheel (123) collect pills (121) from the storage
tank (122) and dispense them onto a moving collecting conveyor
(124). The speed of the collecting conveyor (124) is greater than
the rotational speed of the regulating wheel (123) which amplifies
the pill separation provided by the regulating wheel (123). As the
pills (121) fall from the collecting conveyor (124) onto the
dispensing conveyor (125), they are counted by photoelectric
sensors (128), which relay this data to the processor and memory
chip. Once the processor senses that desired number of pills (121)
have been dispensed, it stops the regulating wheel (123) and the
collecting conveyor (124). The collecting conveyor (124) transfers
the pills (121) onto a moving dispensing conveyor (125). The
dispensing conveyor (125) moves at a greater speed than the
collecting conveyor (124) which further amplifies the pill
separation achieved so far. The dispensing conveyor (125) transfers
the pills (121) into the outlet bay. The photoelectric sensors
(129) count the pills (121) as they fall from the dispensing
conveyor (125) into the outlet bay and relay this data to the
processor Mid memory chip in the control unit. The dispensing
conveyor (125) stops once the processor signals that desired
quantity of pills (121) have been dispensed. In effect, the entire
pill dispensing assembly of the smart medicine container is
inactivated at this time. Alternatively, in situations where a
fixed number of pills is to be dispensed in multiple pill bottles,
the filled pill bottle (132) is replaced by an empty pill bottle at
the outlet door (133). The removal of the pill bottle (132) from
the outlet door (133) is captured by a photoelectric sensor (130),
which relays this information to the processor which keeps a count
of the number of pill bottles that have been removed. The
replacement of pill bottles at the outlet door (133) can be done
manually or can be done automatically using a conveyor assembly.
The pill recovery system and apparatus discussed in preceding
paragraphs can also be applied to this alternate embodiment of the
invention.
Now let us turn our attention to FIGS. 14A-C where construction and
operation of the docking station (140) for smart medicine container
(10) is described. The docking station. (140) is made of plastic of
any other suitable material and comprises of receptacles of a size
to accommodate smart medicine container (10) unit. The docking
station (140) can be made in multiple configurations; one unit, two
units, four units, and six units etc. The basic design is the same
for all, with differences in sizes and the internal USB hub board.
The case consists of a contoured top and Oat bottom. The top is
shaped to accept the smart medicine container (10) unit. An
off-centered protrusion insures the unit is placed into the docking
station (140) correctly. Half round protrusions (142) on each side
of the recessed area insure proper engagement with the smart
medicine container (10) unit which will also insure proper contact
with the USB unit (141) to docking station (140) connection. There
is an opening along one side for a standard USB port (145). The
bottom plate of the docking station (140) has four feet. At the
heart of the docking station (140) is a printed circuit board that
is the USB board. This board is a USB hub that also converts the
standard USB connector to a flat contact connector that people are
used to seeing on phone charging stations. The board will transfer
signals to and from the personal computer (two-way communication
link) as well as provide power to each smart medicine container
(10) unit for operation and charging. If a PC is not being
utilized, a USB to AC plug adapter can be used at the end of the
USB cable instead. Operationally, when a smart medicine container
(10) unit, is positioned in the docking station (140), patient
compliance data stored in the internal memory of the smart medicine
container unit is transmitted to an application in the personal
computer; wherefrom it is preferably transmitted for storage to a
remote web server. Authorized users can access patient compliance
data from the remote web server using an internet enabled
communication device. Additional data stored in the memory of the
smart medicine container unit such as reliability data etc. can
also be transmitted to the personal computer. Any updates to the
firmware application in the smart medicine container are downloaded
from remote web server/personal computer to the smart medicine
container (10) using the docking station. In case of multi-unit
docking station (140); the clock in the smart medicine container
(10) in each unit is synchronized, preferably with the clock in the
personal computer/web server; to enable simultaneous dispensation
of medicines from multiple smart medicine containers (10) with
identical dispensation schedule. According to another aspect: means
is provided for user to enter preferred, dispensation times for
various dispensation schedules (i.e. QDAY at 9AM, BTD at 9AM and
6PM, TED at 9AM, 1PM and 6PM etc.) into the application in personal
computer/web server. When smart medicine container (10) units are
housed in the docking station are in communication link with
personal computer/web server via the docking station (140); user
selected dispensation times for different dispensation schedules
are uploaded into the smart medicine container units (10).
Thereafter; the medicines contained in the smart medicine container
units (10) are dispensed according to prescribed dispensation
schedule at corresponding preferred times selected by user. This
feature along with synchronization of the smart medicine container
(10) and personal computer/web server clocks ensures that
medications contained in multiple smart medicine container units
(10) with identical dispensation schedules are dispensed
synchronously at preferred times corresponding to prescribed
dispensation schedule as selected by the user.
* * * * *